Clean and Sober (1988)

55% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
58% of users liked it
(5,472 ratings)

The directorial debut of Glenn Gordon Caron, the creator of the television series Moonlighting (1985-89), this intense, gritty drama was received as one of the best-ever cinematic treatments of substance abuse. Michael Keaton stars as Daryl Poynter, a hustling, successful Philadelphia real estate… More The directorial debut of Glenn Gordon Caron, the creator of the television series Moonlighting (1985-89), this intense, gritty drama was received as one of the best-ever cinematic treatments of substance abuse. Michael Keaton stars as Daryl Poynter, a hustling, successful Philadelphia real estate agent who has become addicted to cocaine. He's already got problems, including nearly a $100,000 embezzled from his employer and lost on the stock market, when he wakes up one morning with a young woman dead in his bed from a coke overdose. His company is asking questions about the missing funds, and the dead girl's father is plastering his neighborhood with posters accusing Daryl of being a murderer, so he decides to hide out in an anonymous drug treatment program. There, however, Daryl runs into tough-minded counselor and former addict Craig (Morgan Freeman), who has heard all of Daryl's lies and tricks before. Daryl also finds romance with an abused fellow addict, Charlie Standers (Kathy Baker), and understanding with his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor (M. Emmet Walsh). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 4 min.
Directed By: Glenn Gordon Caron
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Aug 10, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
The film journey into the heart of darkness is tourist class all the way.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
It would take at least 6 stiff drinks to make this film entertaining.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Keaton's performance (just barely) lifts the movie from its formula stupor.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Joseph E

Great acting couldn't make me enjoy any more than I did.
Lee K

I think i have mentioned this in another review at some point that I love when comedic actors change it up for a movie or two and show off their serious side and totally blow me away with their performances. this is one of those times with the very much under rated talent of Michael… More
I think i have mentioned this in another review at some point that I love when comedic actors change it up for a movie or two and show off their serious side and totally blow me away with their performances. this is one of those times with the very much under rated talent of Michael Keaton. Keaton this time playing a recovering Alcoholic and his fight against the disease. Worth a look!
Barry L

Brilliant and sobering film.

Cast

            Michael Keaton as Daryl Poynter

            Kathy Baker as Charlie Standers

            Morgan Freeman as Craig

            M. Emmet Walsh as Richard Dirks

            Brian Benben as Martin Laux

            Tate Donovan as Donald Towle

            Luca Bercovici as Lenny

            Henry Judd Baker as Xavier

            Claudia Christian as Iris

            J. David Krassner as Tiller

            Dakin Matthews as Bob

            Mary Catherine Martin as Cheryl Ann

            Michael Francis Clarke as Board Executive

            Pamela Dunlap as Jane

            Sandra Foster as Xavier's Girlfriend

            Terri Hanauer as Admissions Counsellor

            David A. Kimball as Doctor

            Harley Jane Kozak as Ralston Receptionist

            Doug MacHugh as Board Executive

            Stephanie Menuez as Ticket Agent

            Leslie Neale as Sheila

            Ben Piazza as Kramer

            Al Pugliese as Detective

            Veronica Redd as Head Nurse in Detox

            Douglas Roberts as Mark

            Claudia Robinson as Cleaning Lady

            Serina Robinson as Karen Peluso

            Rachel Ryan as Karen Peluso

            Nick Savage as Gary "Ike Turner"

            Anne Kerry Ford as Debbie Laux

            Michael Leopard as Steel-Mill Foreman

            Sharon Medearis as Nurse

            Jean Nash as Rita

            Glenn Daniels
            
            Marion Dougherty
            
            Pat Quinn as June

            Morgan J. Freeman
            
See full cast